Can busy families keep dogs as pets?

Question

Hi all, some information about me and my family:

Me : Male, 30 //
Ex-Pet Owner? : kept no pets at all (Parents are keeping fish), first time considering dogs as pets. //
Family Background : Parents & me only. All 3 of us are working day-jobs and leave the house early and comes back evenings. We're free on weekends & holidays; hardly travel. //
Dog we're interested in : Pembroke Welsh Corgi //
Apartment size : 6th floor, 4 room apartment, reasonably big for a small dog //
Interest in dogs : For me, VERY HIGH. I have read up all about Welsh Corgis and their temperament, hygiene and care. But unsure if I can give it the attention it needs... but definitely will reserve time each day to play and care for it. //

Based on the information above, do you guys think I can keep a dog? Is there any solution or alternative on how busy families can keep dogs as pets?

Answer 1

First, yes, busy families can have dogs. I don't know of very many dog owners who have someone at home all day. Everybody has to work...one of my coworkers has nine cats, four dogs and four ferrets. They are wonderful animals and in excellent health. She is gone from about 8:30 in the morning till 6:30 at night, and her dogs have no problems.

However, I see two big drawbacks in your situation. Number one, you have never owned a dog. Number two, you live in a 6th floor apartment. Now I know that there are many city dwellers who have dogs. But since you have never had a dog, are you sure you know what you're getting into? Are you really ready to come home and IMMEDIATELY go back downstairs to take the dog for a walk?
Corgis are not small dogs, either, they are medium sized breeds. They are very sturdy herding dogs that need plenty of exercise. You've got to be willing to walk that dog for at least an hour every evening, maybe with a trip to the local dog park at least a few times each week.
Also, since you live with your folks (can I tease you about that? nah, I won't--none of my business) are they willing to deal with chewed furniture or puddles on the carpet? Are you planning on getting a puppy (not recommended) or an adult dog? Either way, your parents must have at least some interest in dogs or it just won't work. Trust me. You don't want to have to end up finding a home for your new companion--or a new home for yourself.

My personal suggestion would be to look at some different breeds such as the pug. Something small that you can train to potty in a litterbox. Also, a small dog can get its exercise in a smaller space--it won't require such long walks, although it will still need to get out and socialize.
Another suggestion would be to contact your local shelter and see if they need foster families. Maybe you could foster a dog for a short period of time. Since it's not a permanent arrangement, this would give you an idea of what dog ownership really is like before you end up with a lifetime commitment.

Answer 2

Please do not take this as a rude comment because it is not meant to be one. You should not get a dog at this time. You have to put your selfishness wants aside. You are not the one who will have to be alone all the time. Dogs love people and they love to be part of the family. They are not no where near a cat. They can survive on little human contact as long as all their needs are met. What kind of life would that dog have? She would sit at home for 9-12 hours a day alone probably in a kennel. It is worse then a prisoner. All dogs want to be is a big part of their humans family. I can tell you probably know what the real answer should be (no) because you are stopping to ask this question. You are pausing to put that dogs needs first. Wait until your life calms down a little then make a dog part of your family. Please stop and think about this! People making a quick and selfish decision are why there are so many homeless animals out there. They can not be thrown away just because they do not fit a persons life style anymore

Answer 3

I don't mean to be harsh, but do not get a dog. I know that you really want one, but you said that you read all about it and know their temperament. then you should have read somewhere that they are HERDING dogs and need LOTS of exercise. You need someplace with a yard and you will have to take him for a loooooooooong walk everyday. They might be small but that doesn't mean anything. he still has lots of energy. If he doesn't get it then he will get bored and start destroying your apartment while you are not home. If you crate him, (which gives him even less exercise) then he will bark.
Also, what happens if you are running late some night and now your dog is in the apartment and has to go to the bathroom. It will go and now you have a mess to clean up. If you get a puppy they need to go to the bathroom every 2 hours. so unless you can leave work to let him out, you are going to have a mess when you get home.

A dog is a big responsibility!!! Also think about how many shots a puppy needs and if he gets sick, the vet bills you are going to have. Plus, if he does get sick, you are going to have to stay home and take care of it. Just like a child.

I realize you may want a dog, but you need to think about what is in THE DOGS BEST INTEREST!! If you are asking on here, it sounds like you are having second thoughts already.
If you really want a pet, get a cat. It doesn't matter if you get home late. They use a litter box and you can get an auto feeder for it.

Answer 4

No, no, no no, no.

Corgis are HERDING dogs. They belong in large houses with large yards and plenty of room to run- not cramped in a 6th story apartment. Yes, they're small, but they don't know it. The ONLY way this would come close to working is if you were willing to enroll the dog in doggie day care every day that you were all working. Otherwise, corgis just need too much exercise and freedom to be happy in your household. Any dog, actually. Busy working families tend to end up with seriously neglected and undersocialized dogs. Consider getting a cat or fish tank or something instead. Dogs need people around, and not just on evenings and weekends when you have the time. Sorry if that's harsh, but you have to think about what's best for the dog, not for you.

Answer 5

What I would suggest for you is to ADOPT an older dog from an animal shelter. These guys are often overlooked simply because they aren't puppies, but for someone like you they will be fantastic. I am not talking about a dog on deaths bed :) simply a dog 5+ years old. They will be more relaxed, housebroken, and have some training. They won't require the constant energy that a younger pup will either. As mentioned, i wouldn't get a corgi, they are herding dogs and require a lot of exercise and running. Try a beagle or beagle mix (laid back, semi lazy, great, gentle dogs, excellent for first timers) A beagle or beagle mix will also do great in a smaller apartment as you mentioned you have as they are small and don't need to run about a lot. They are also low on the maintenance/health scale so they will be a great start for you.

Answer 6

I dont think a corgi is the right choice for you because they tend to be pretty active. Maybe consider some smaller breeds that don't need to be very active.. such as maltese, pug, pomeranian..ect. We have a pomeranian and we work as well. But we don't work very long hours, leave around 8 and get back by 4:30 or 5:00. Sometimes when I am home when I have a day off or something, my dog doesnt do much other than sleep and play with her toys. So I think as long as the hours arent too long, and the breed is right then you should be ok. Toy breeds and small breeds do well in apartments so don't worry. Look at the link below, itll help you choose the breed, very useful!

Answer 7

Based on the information above, I would say NO! You are never home. You are already questioning your ability to take on the responsibility. And the Humane Society is already full of dogs that came from families just like yours. I'm not trying to be rude at all, just honest. If you have a strong desire to have a dog and aren't quite sure about having the time for one, I would take the highroad here. Go down to the animal shelter and see for yourself. A lot of well-meaning people buy a dog for their family with good intentions, and look how they end up. If you don't have that kind of time but you still want a pet, get a cat. They are a lot more independent and will ignore you even more than you ignore them!!

Answer 8

I don't recommend a dog as a pet. The dog is going to spend too many hours alone every day. If you had a way to come home during the middle of the day or had someone who could come in and give the dog a potty break and play with it than I would say consider an older dog but definitely not a puppy.

Answer 9

I really wouldn't recommend getting a dog at this point in your life. Someone should be their most of the day, it really wouldn't be fair to the dog. Dog's need plenty of attention and can't be cooped up all day in an apartment. The dog will end up getting bored (like the other person's said) and will revolt pooping/peeing/chewing/and making a mess everywhere just to get some attention. I would wait until you have someone there most of the day or until you get a hope with a fenced in yard where a dog house or doggy door could be installed so the dog could come and go as it pleases. Hope this helps and Good Luck!

Answer 10

I would have to say yes. As long as someone can be with your dog at least a few hours out of the day. But You are defiantly on the right track looking for a smaller dog. Corgi's are herding dogs though and should be exercised a fair amount. so maybe a more lap dog might fit you better, But maybe in the mornings before work you could run the dog and your self and at night after work.